Safer Cleaning Supplies

It’s no secret that conventional household cleaners contain toxic chemicals. But did you know that these chemicals are central nervous system disruptors, known carcinogens linked to cancer and birth defects, and common sources of allergies and skin conditions? (If you think that sounds dramatic, just take a look at the extensive caution labels or check out your cleaning products on Environmental Working Group’s label decoder.)

But you’ll be fine if you don’t drink or bathe in the cleaning supplies, right?

Well… Many of these chemicals are toxic via inhalation. (Ever notice that you get a headache or slight cough after cleaning with them for a while?) So, instead of “cleaning” your home with chemicals that are toxic for you to touch and inhale, we recommend switching to safer products with natural, plant-derived ingredients.

The good news: There are many brands offering a full line of human/pet- and environmentally-friendly cleaning supplies, many with respectable production and social responsibility standards too. Whole Foods and Target carry a wide range of options, and most mainstream supermarkets and drugstores are starting to stock more natural cleaners too.

Watch out for marketing, though—some products marketed as “green” or “eco- friendly” aren’t exactly that. The most important thing in choosing household cleaners is to read labels and understand their ingredient list. Lengthy chemical names can be confusing and we’re not all expert chemists, so when in doubt, EWG’s product database is a useful tool for learning about specific ingredients and making informed decisions.

The hidden ingredients in fragrance

Fragrance is commonly added to household cleaners, but it’s on our “avoid” list. While there are many fragrance-free natural cleaners on the market (and these are certainly good options, especially if you have sensitivity to fragrance), there’s a little more to the story: Not all fragrance is created equal. Synthetic fragrance is protected as a proprietary trade secret, so its ingredients are not required to be labeled as anything other than “fragrance.” But what’s typically in it? A cocktail of chemicals including acetaldehyde, benzophenone, diethyl phthalate—chemicals linked to allergies, skin conditions, cancer and reproductive toxicity.

However, naturally derived scents (such as those from essential oils) are not proprietary and are typically labeled individually. If you’d like to use fragranced products, choose those made with natural plant-derived scents—and listed as such on the label.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HEALTHY CLEANING FOR A HEALTHY HOME?

We’ve got you covered! Our Healthy Cleaning Guideshares simple details on what to look for in healthier cleaning supplies, our favorite brands making good-for-you and good-for-the-planet cleaning supplies, plus recipes for natural cleaners you can make with ingredients in your own pantry.

We’re health coaches, but we’re not your doctor. The information shared through our website, emails, products and services is for informational and educational purposes only. It may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice, nor as a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis and/or treatment.